Wild weather and wellbeing!

I don’t know about you but I had my hopes pinned on an Indian summer. To make that transition from summer into autumn smoother, despite the days shortening.

The weather this week however, had different plans! And this makes it all too easy to think “stay at home in the warm and dry”.  But once out, wet and windy autumn weather can make for an invigorating walk. And it doesn’t have to mean drab!

Get the warm layers and waterproofs on and go!

So there may not be pollinators buzzing, birds perched and causally singing in the sunshine or flowers reaching to the blue sky. And you may unexpectedly be wearing a hat, scarf and gloves like I was today. But there are plenty of wellbeing benefits to getting out in the countryside, even in ‘poor’ weather. Fresh air, the opportunity to calm a busy brain and get the endorphins flowing and the likelihood of a good night’s sleep.

Not only that but there will always be wildlife to spot.

Fly agaric sums up autumn perfectly

The beauty of getting to know a heath or forest over time is that you can follow its changes throughout the seasons. Today, at Bramshill Plantation, I focussed on whether there was still any heather in flower. Which trees had leaves changing colour or dropping. What fungi were emerging. I pondered what birds would feast on berries to fatten up for winter. I listened patiently and was rewarded with bird song, despite some relentless rain. The plentiful opportunities to connect with the landscape around me made me forget about the cold and wet.

Birch leaves developing their autumn colours

And of course, I splashed in some puddles….why not!

Have wellies, will splash!

Of course, those of us who own dogs know that they need walking regardless of the weather. But taking time out for yourself, even to stop and watch circles forming on ponds as the rain falls, can be just what the doctor ordered.

So, the next time you look out the window and think, “do I really want to go out in that?” think about what you may gain from it.

Of course, safety always comes first and if you’re heading out solo, let someone know where you are going and check in with them regularly. Choose a familiar route that you are comfortable with and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Check for weather warnings before you set out.

Most of all, enjoy that hot cup of tea when you get home again and think about what inspired you. And whether an Indian summer could still be possible…..

Nicky, Communications Officer 
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership